Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creighton?
The Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System (CrMS) is a highly standardized science-based natural method of fertility awareness. The founder, Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers, began doing independent research of the Billings Ovulation Method in 1976. The Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System is a standardized modification of the Billings Ovulation Method - as a legitimate offspring of that system, the Creighton Model was first fully described in 1980. CrMS is taught in over 200 FertilityCare™ Centres in North America, and all over the world. For more info visit www.creightonmodel.com.
What is NaProTechnology?
NaProTechnology™ (Natural Procreative Technology) is a new women's health science that utilizes the Creighton Model charts in order to diagnose and cooperatively treat various women's reproductive and gynecological health issues. NaproTechnology™ searches for the underlying causes of women's health issues and treats them for each individual woman, cycle by cycle. To learn more about the NaProTechnology™ revolution visit www.naprotechnology.com and www.unleashingthepower.info
What are the Fees?
The Fee Schedule for 2021 is as follows: $75 per Follow-up (8 Follow-ups average in first year - see next question for 'What is a Follow-up'). The Initial Supply Kit is $55 - this includes a user manual, 2 blank charts and a stamp packet (typical usage for 1 year of charting). If you have financial restrictions, ask us about our Payment Plan. Long Distance clients are required to purchase a Picture Dictionary (cost $20). Clients must cover the cost of shipping supplies.
What is a Follow-up Session?
A "Follow-up Session" is an appointment where you receive one-on-one instruction from a FertilityCare™ Practitioner. Follow-up sessions are essential to learning the Creighton Model system. Engaged and married couples are encouraged to attend the sessions together. The recommended teaching schedule involves 5 sessions in the first 3 months, 3 sessions in the next 9 months, and every 6-12 months thereafter (or as needed during long-term use). The first 5 sessions are crucial to gaining a functional understanding of the basics of Creighton NaProTracking™.
What happens in a Follow-up session?
All Follow-up sessions are conducted privately with the client/couple. Each Follow-up session appointment is approximately 60 minutes in length (the first Follow-up is 60-90 minutes). The Practitioner utilizes a standardized Follow-up Form as an educational tool ensuring the highest quality of service delivery. Each Follow-up includes a review of your chart and your observational routine as well as evolving education in various aspects of the system.
How do I get started charting with Creighton?
The first step is to attend an Introductory Session - visit our Contact page for upcoming session dates, or send a request for a session. The Introductory Session, which is typically 1.5 hours in length, can be done in a group setting or privately. It is a very informative presentation that goes through the basics of anatomy/physiology and an overview on how the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System works. The purpose of the Introductory Session is to provide you with all the information necessary to decide if Creighton is right for you, and give you the basics to get started. After the Introductory Session you can sign-up by purchasing your Initial Supply Kit, scheduling your First Follow-up for two weeks later, and signing the Welcome Letter Service Consent form. You begin charting the very next day.
What is the recommended Follow-up schedule?
Your first Follow-up should be 2 weeks after you begin charting. The second Follow-up is at four weeks, third at six weeks, fourth at 8 weeks and fifth at 3 months. The sixth Follow-up is at 6 months, the seventh at 9 months and the eighth at 12 months. After the 12-month Follow-up, users should return to their teachers at a 6-12 month interval. This is primarily for the purpose of chart review, picking up a new chart, providing any new information, and encouragement and support. It is not advisable to chart without Follow-ups.
Can a FertilityCare™ Practitioner provide a medical diagnosis?
FertilityCare™ Practitioners are trained to teach clients/couples in the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System of charting. Through chart reviews they can see whether there are any patterns that indicate the need for a NaProTechnology™ evaluation – if that is the case the Practitioner can provide a direct referral. Only NaProTechnology™ Medical Consultants (specially trained doctors, pharmacists, or nurse practitioners) are trained to use the Creighton charts to diagnose and treat underlying causes of infertility and a variety of gynecologic conditions.
What training does a FertilityCare™ Practitioner receive?
The education of teachers in the Creighton Model system is built upon an allied health educational model. FertilityCare™ Practitioners education program is a minimum 13-month curriculum. During those 13 months there are two full immersion classroom training programs (7 days + 5 days), and two six-month supervised practicums with case study reviews. At the conclusion of the program, a full day final exam must be completed in order to receive one's education certificate.
Why doesn't my doctor know about this method?
In his book "The NaProTechnology Revolution", Dr. Hilgers provides a thorough explanation of the unfortunate situation wherein most doctors are not aware of the effectiveness of scientific methods of natural family planning. There is a short explanation provided online in the main NaProTechnology website References page. https://naprotechnology.com/references/